Posts tagged "Workplace Discrimination"

One may have a difficult time arguing the point that the evolution of workplace discrimination laws in Minneapolis and throughout the U.S. has happened in concert with changing societal norms. As opinions continue to change regarding certain positions, many may expect such statutes to be revised along with them. Yet in many cases, such a shift in legal precedent is not always automatic. It may first take one challenging the interpretation of a law in order to prompt to revisiting of how it should be applied in today's professional world.

Some babies are planned and some are surprises, but for women in the workplace, all require careful strategizing to coordinate for medical appointme nts and pregnancy-related costs. Many women do not have the luxury of quitting work once they have a baby, so their jobs can become more important once the extra expense of a child is added on. When employers decide that they no longer want to employ an expectant mother, it is not only inconsiderate but can also be illegal.

One of the more recent issues that has arisen in Minneapolis in relation to discrimination has been the treatment of same-sex couples. With same-sex marriage having only become widely legalized within the last 5-10 years, many may be finding that their workplace policies do not reflect the standards of the time. Another matter to be considered in this regard is that while public agencies and organizations may be mandated to update their policies to reflect current legislation, private corporations may not be legally required to do so.

There are several personal characteristics, including age, that your employer in Minnesota should not consider when making workplace decisions. You might feel unclear as to what actually constitutes age discrimination, especially as the regulations are not as comprehensive as some of the other factors protected by discrimination laws.

A bought of the flu or the common cold might force you to take a sick day, but you typically will not worry about it impacting your job in the long run. However, if you have a more serious condition, you might be concerned over whether it could lead to workplace discrimination. There are some key laws in place to make sure that this does not happen if you work in Minnesota.

Religion is one of the areas covered under Title VII, which prohibits discrimination in the workplace in Minnesota. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, workplace discrimination involving religion does not just concern someone who practices a certain religion. It also covers the rights of people who have a relationship with someone of a religious faith or are a spouse of someone in a religion. Additionally, people are also protected if their moral beliefs or ethics are under harassment.

Transgender rights have recently become a hot button issue, especially with some state governments debating bills that could adversely affect these rights. Under federal law, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against transgender individuals in Minnesota and the rest of the country, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Employers and workers in Minneapolis may understand that the Americans with Disabilities Act protects disabled persons from discrimination in the workplace. However, these disabilities take many forms, and not all of them are readily visible. Many people may not be aware that the ADA also provides protection for workers who suffer from some mental health conditions.

It is a sad fact that in many cases, bullying continues past the school years. Some people never grow out of the need to humiliate and demean others. If you or someone you know is disabled and the subject of being bullied at work, you may take heart in knowing that such action is prohibited by law. Workplace bullying can be considered a form of harassment or discrimination in Minnesota.

Although the U.S. Department of Labor reports that 57 percent of women are active in the workforce, many Minnesota women still face discrimination from employers or potential employers. This is especially true when they are pregnant. At Neaton & Puklich, P.L.LP., we often see clients who have been blatantly discriminated against during all stages of pregnancy, and understand that the issue will continue to be a problem until employers are forced to change their approach to handling these matters.

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